We need to act to reduce the stigma of reporting sexual assault

Women are considerably more likely than men to believe there is a stigma associated with reporting incidents of sexual harassment and assault, according to our new research. Our national survey revealed that 50% of men believe there is a stigma, compared with 78% of women.

The findings revealed that many more women than men had experienced unwanted advances during their daily lives - with as many as 54% of women stating that they had been touched inappropriately in a bar or nightclub, compared with just 25% of men. On top of this, 44% of female respondents said they had been propositioned (asked for sex in an unsubtle way) in a bar or nightclub, compared to 16% of men.

Additionally, 40% of all survey respondents said they had been touched inappropriately in a bar or nightclub by someone they did not know, which they did not consent to. The results also revealed that of that 40%, 99% did not report the incident.

When asked about their reasons for not reporting the incident, the majority stated that they “could not be bothered with the hassle”, while others said they were concerned there would not be enough proof to implicate the perpetrator.

Time and time again, we see the victims of sexual harassment and assault fail to report their experiences because they’re worried no one will believe them, and it is important that more is done to tackle this stigma.

The results of our recent survey are no surprise, but they highlight the importance of empowering victims to talk about what has happened in order to fight for justice.

We uncovered some particularly interesting views when we asked respondents what they believe needed to change in order to reduce the stigma relating to sexual harassment.

One individual said: “Men have to admit the problem and tackle it … The culture of victim-blaming - eg. over what a woman is wearing - also needs to be tackled.”

Another said that the issue lies in what people perceive as qualifying as a “serious incident”, adding: “Women need to know they will be believed and not blamed for actions of someone else.”

Harassment in the workplace

In the light of recent events involving Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and instances of harassment in government, our survey also questioned respondents about their experiences in the workplace. The findings revealed that 50% of respondents had been treated inappropriately by a colleague at work, however, 78% of these did not report it.

Again, we were saddened by the responses, but not surprised. It is clear from this survey that more needs to be done across the board to ensure victims of sexual harassment and assault feel they can use their voice to bring a permanent end to inappropriate behaviour, wherever they may be.

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